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Late last year we bought a 1966 Bourne 35 named Enigma, (now moored in Horning) in not bad condition but the first job on the list is to restore the woodwork beginning with the exterior. There are a few black water stains on the timber and I read that oxalic acid is good for bleaching the wood back to original, so I bought some.

I would be interested to hear from someone who has actually done this sort of work, for any tips they may have. I am an engineer, so woodwork is a little alien to me, but needs must.

I am also in search of some mahogany beading for the windows and a few old off-cuts of wood to practice staining and varnishing.

Hi and welcome to the forum. Sorry I can't help but a lovely boat you have got there. I had a look on her last year and was tempted to make a offer but the time was not quite right. I did regret it at easter when seeing her out on the river.

I have used oxalic acid on our restoration. Having used it wash it off with meths, it neutralizes it, if no meths available use plenty of water. otherwise when you come to sand you can get fine crystals which can be an irritant or worse if inhaled or an eyeful taken. It does work but you may need more than one application. Works well on oak also.

Mahogany or at least Utille,(only african mahogany these days) is available in various shapes and sizes generally off the shelf from Tim Collins at Hoveton see link. A very knowledgeable and helpful chap. http://www.yell.com/biz/tim-collin-hardwoods-norwich-1276864/

Sorry about that I will try again but his No is 01603783788 I was told dissolve in warm water and brush on, but beware of runs as of course if left on these will bleach as well. As I said if you use methylated spirits this will neutralize the acid. I did neglected to say if you sand it while wet with either water or meths the flying crystals will be greatly reduced thus more comfortable to work with. http://www.yell.com/biz/tim-collin-hardwoods-norwich-1276864/